SHEFFIELD UNITED: Danny Wilson warning to Blades stars

James Shield
Sheffield United

Wilson, United’s manager, is waiting to discover if Lee Williamson, Chris Porter and Kevin McDonald will accept new contracts after their previous deals with the South Yorkshire club expired.

But despite his team’s failure to win promotion last season, Wilson said: “What I’d tell people (who could leave) is to think long and hard.

“Yes, not going up was a massive disappointment for everyone concerned but this is a great football club whatever division it is in.

“Twice in the past 12 months we’ve had crowds of over 30,000 or thereabouts and took something like the same number down to Wembley with us.

“Where else might they get that?”

With Stephen Quinn, Matthew Lowton and Harry Maguire known to boast admirers at both Championship and Premier League level, Wilson has identified numerous possible signings should he be forced to undertake a radical overhaul of his squad.

But United’s recruitment plans have been complicated by the fact that Williamson, Porter and McDonald have yet to announce whether they will agree new terms.

With Steve Simonsen, Andy Taylor and Johannes Ertl all departing following last month’s League One play-off final defeat by Huddersfield Town, Wilson confirmed earlier this week that a striker, centre-half and full-back are his top priorities.

But, until United’s budgets are set in stone, Wilson indicated he is unable to submit firm bids for the likes of Wycombe Wanderers’ Stuart Beavon and David Wotherspoon of Hibernian.

Wilson said: “We’re always working hard behind the scenes and making sure we are prepared.”